After dental implant placement, it is essential to have follow-up appointments every two months. This is because dental implants require a significant period of time to heal and fuse, and must be checked regularly. The first checkup is usually two weeks after the implant is placed, when the swelling has disappeared and the incisions have healed. During this visit, the dentist will remove the stitches and evaluate how the implants are healing. They may also provide additional cleaning instructions, as even if you only have dental implants and no natural teeth left, regular cleanings and checkups are still necessary.
It is likely that two weeks after the dental implants are placed, the oral surgeon will want to see you to ensure that osseointegration is complete - meaning that the jaw has been firmly attached to the implant and is growing around it. Dental implants are incredibly popular and effective for San Diego patients who need to replace one or more teeth. The dentist will examine the gums for any signs of periodontal disease, as well as any symptoms of a dental implant infection called peri-implantitis. They will also clean the surrounding area of the implant site and take x-rays to make sure the implant is still firmly in place. Whether you have a single dental implant or your whole mouth full of them, proper oral hygiene must be practiced as if you had an entire mouth full of natural teeth. The office will help you ensure that the implants heal correctly by reducing the chances of infection; this is achieved by providing hygiene treatment before surgery and prescribing antibiotics after surgery.
However, it is ultimately up to the patient's personal oral hygiene and diet that will play an important role in successful integration of the implants. The replacement tooth is placed over the implant and colored to match the appearance of the existing tooth, making it almost impossible for people to know that they have a dental implant.
